La Crosse Doctor Shares Insights on Hospice Care

Demystifying the end-of-life care option for patients and families.

Apr. 6, 2026 at 11:51am

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Dr. Samantha Holden, a palliative care specialist at Gundersen Health System in La Crosse, Wisconsin, is providing valuable insights into the role and benefits of hospice care for patients nearing the end of their lives. Hospice is a specialized form of care that focuses on quality of life and comfort rather than curative treatment.

Why it matters

Many people have misconceptions about hospice, often associating it with giving up hope or hastening death. Dr. Holden's perspective aims to educate the public and remove the stigma around this important end-of-life care option.

The details

Dr. Holden emphasizes that hospice is about living as fully as possible in the time remaining, not about hastening death. Hospice care involves a team of medical professionals, social workers, and volunteers who provide comprehensive support to patients and their families. This can include pain and symptom management, emotional and spiritual counseling, and practical assistance with daily tasks.

  • Dr. Holden has been a palliative care specialist at Gundersen Health System for the past 8 years.

The players

Dr. Samantha Holden

A palliative care specialist at Gundersen Health System in La Crosse, Wisconsin, who is providing insights into the role and benefits of hospice care.

Gundersen Health System

A healthcare provider in La Crosse, Wisconsin, where Dr. Holden works as a palliative care specialist.

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What they’re saying

“Hospice is about living as fully as possible in the time remaining, not about hastening death.”

— Dr. Samantha Holden, Palliative Care Specialist

The takeaway

Dr. Holden's insights aim to demystify hospice care and encourage more people to consider it as a compassionate option for end-of-life support, focusing on quality of life and comfort rather than curative treatment.